Who is Ryan Zinke, and how would he fare in Iowa if he were to run for president?

Zinke became the Secretary of the Interior and a member of the Trump Administration in 2017. Before that, he was a U.S. congressman from Montana. Zinke played college football for the Oregon Ducks, got a degree in geology followed by an MBA and a Master's in global leadership. He also served as a Navy SEAL from 1986 to 2008.

A polling firm has been calling Iowa Republican voters to test Zinke’s name recognition for a possible run, presumably in 2024. This shows that the White House sweepstakes has started very early, and that Zinke is known in D.C. as somebody with White House ambitions.

As sure as the corn comes up in rows every spring, politicians come to Iowa feeling out the presidential waters. The “First in the Nation” status means that runs at the presidency begin in the coffee shops of Iowa. According to a Gravis Marketing Poll, someone wants to find out how many Republicans here know the name Ryan Zinke, and if he is viewed favorably or not.

Assuming we are going to have a Trump second term, this may be the first attempt to test the fertile lands of Iowa for a 2024 run. That may seem like many years away, but in political terms, it’s just around the corner. Those around Zinke are quietly setting the stage for a potential run.

Doug Kaplan, president of Gravis Marketing, explained the goals of the Iowa poll: “We’re looking ahead trying to see who the heir apparent is after Trump. If you fundamentally believe the Republican Party has changed and Trump is not an anomaly, someone like Ryan Zinke could be that person. Based on our polling he’s extremely popular among Republican voters in Iowa. The interior secretary is someone to watch.”

It’s never too early to start planning for something as huge as a presidential run, and it looks like Secretary Zinke or those around him are staking out an early position. If the polls are as encouraging as Mr. Kaplan says, expect to see Zinke headline some upcoming Republican events or perhaps start showing up on social media standing next to Chuck Grassley.

If Zinke wants a shot at the White House, I hope he enjoys Pizza Ranch chicken, Casey’s pizza, shaking hands, and answering the tough questions face-to-face. Many have come to our fair state with a full head of steam only to get rattled by the straight-talking Midwesterners of Iowa who are all too used to the incessant parade of political wannabes showing up every few years.

The Iowa Caucuses are a proving ground wrought with pitfalls. Any attempt to fake your way through Iowa will leave you playing from behind in New Hampshire.

Steve Sherman of North Liberty is a writer, business owner, and a former Iowa House candidate.